§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the terms of reference given to AERE Harwell for research into the environmental effects of chlorofluorocarbons; what has been the cost of that research to date; what resources were committed to it; whether it is complete or still in progress; and when the findings will be made public.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAERE Harwell was asked to look at the significance of chlorofluorocarbons in the environment, particularly in the stratosphere, as part of the larger programme of research that it is carrying out for the Department of the Environment into the life history and atmospheric chemistry of a number of atmospheric pollutants.
The total cost of the work at AERE Harwell on atmospheric chemistry was £188,000 in 1974–75. Since October 1974 approximately £51,000 has been spent on research on chlorofluorocarbons. Two professional scientists are involved, plus supporting staff. The research is still in progress, and results will be published as they become available.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of his overall responsibility for the safety of the environment, if he will make a statement on the pattern of use of chlorofluorocarbons in the United Kingdom in the past 10 years by quantity; what has been the domestic production of chlorofluorocarbons in the United Kingdom's import and exports of chlorofluorocarbons, in bulk or finished form, in the same period; and what estimates have been made, assuming a national ban on the use of the most hazardous chlorofluorocarbons, on employment in the United Kingdom and the balance of payments.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI understand that in 1969, the earliest year for which 745W adequate figures are available, about 74 per cent. of the United Kingdom's consumption of chlorofluorocarbons F11 and F12, the most quantitatively significant fluorocarbons, was accounted for by aerosols, about 13 per cent. in refrigeration, cold storage and air conditioning, and the remaining 13 per cent. by other uses including the manufacture of foams and solvents. In 1974 the figures were 80 per cent. 8 per cent. and 12 per cent., respectively.
In 1969 United Kingdom production of chlorofluorocarbons Fl I and F12 amounted to about 35,000 tonnes, of which between 35 per cent. and 40 per cent. was exported. Imports were negligible. In 1974 production was of the order of 70,000 tonnes, and exports again accounted for some 35.40 per cent. of production. Estimated imports amounted to 1,000 tonnes.
Estimates of the effects which any restriction or ban on the use of chlorofluorocarbons might have on employment in the United Kingdom and the balance of payments have not yet been completed. They are included in the Government's current appraisal of chlorofluorocarbons.
§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence has been given by AERE Harwell and others on the use of alternative chlorofluorocarbons.
§ Mr. Denis HowellManufacturers are looking at alternative chlorofluorocarbons and other substitute compounds, but ones with suitable properties are difficult to find. AERE Harwell is not working on this subject.